AFRICA DOCUMENTARY FILMS

Documentary Film Trailers

Out of Africa (Journey of Mankind) - Documentary Film

This is the first in a series of iLecture documentary films which explores the beginning of the most important migration - and monumental exodus - made by humankind. Based on genetic, archaeological and climatic evidence, the film explores why our African ancestors migrated, the choices they had in deciding their migration routes, and when this would have occurred. 'Journey of Mankind - Out of Africa' reveals the halting but determined progress of our prehistoric predecessors, and how our physical and behavioural adaptations were focussed on surviving the struggle with our greatest enemy and sternest teacher - climate. It portrays the beginning of an amazing journey of opportunity and survival, confirmed by genetic science and documented by ancient rock art.

San Rock Art of South Africa - Documentary Film

Recent archaeological discoveries provide strong evidence that Africa is the continent where art began. Out of its many dozens of rock art traditions, the San (or Bushmen) rock art paintings of southern Africa is perhaps the best known, and is featured in this iLecture film. In terms of artistry, both in its rock engraved and rock painted forms, San rock art is amongst the world’s finest. Some of its images have details only the width of a hair and its delicate shaded colours fade seamlessly from white through pink to dark red. Particularly fine examples of San rock paintings can be found at the site known as Game Pass Shelter in the Drakensberg mountains of South Africa. 'San Rock Art of South Africa' attempts to reveal one of the most complex and sophisticated of all the world’s symbolic arts. Far from a general view of life, the art focuses on a particular part of San experience: the spirit world journeys and experiences of San shamans.

African Place of Origins - Documentary Film

Africa has an embarrassment of rock art riches. When we hear the words ‘African rock art’ we think of the exquisite paintings made by the San in southern Africa, the evocative desert paintings of the Tassili in north Africa, or the mysterious life-size rock carvings of the Sahara. But Africa has dozens of rock art traditions, made by many different groups and many thousands of years. 'African - Place of Origins', under the guidance of Dr. Ben Smith, Director of the Rock Art Research Institute in South Africa, takes a journey across the mother continent, exploring these traditions and reconnecting with the lands of our oldest ancestors, to find the place where art began.

Lost Art of the Sahara - Documentary Film

In the heart of the Sahara lies the Tenere Desert. 'Tenere', literally translated as ‘where there is nothing’, is a barren desert landscape stretching for thousands of miles, but this literal translation belies its ancient significance as a trade route, still used by the people of the Sahara. Evidence of this age-old occupation can be found at the pinnacle of a small rocky outcrop. Here, where the desert meets the slopes of the Air Mountains, lies Dabous, home to one of the finest examples of ancient rock art in the world - two life-size giraffe carved in stone. 'Lost Art of the Sahara' considers the significance of these carvings, created just after the last Ice Age and belonging to a much wetter and richer Sahara, and the meaning of its complex symbolism.